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What is Druzy?

A close-up view of druzy crystals on a red (hematite) AmethystDruzy is a popular term used among rockhounds and gem lovers alike — which often leads to the question, what is druzy?

Druzy can appear in just about any type of gem or mineral, but the specimen needs certain conditions to achieve this desired, sparkly look. 

The truly unique appearance of druzy, especially when it contains minerals that you wouldn’t expect to sparkle, makes it more desirable than traditional specimens — which makes it a top candidate for collectors or fashion experts, who turn druzy stone jewelry into high-demand items.

But before we get into that, we need to tackle the most pressing question:

What is Druzy?

Druzy is also referred to as drusy, druse, or druze. The spelling you see typically depends upon the local of the person using the word.

Druzy is multiple sets of crystals that form on another stone. This can occur over many thousands — or even millions — of years as water constantly flows over a stone. As it evaporates and cools, it leaves behind sediment and silica. Druzy can appear as just about any color of the rainbow.

These tiny crystal structures cluster together on the gemstone — or within a cavity of a stone or geode. In many cases, the crystals are too small to see with the naked eye. But when they join together, each refracts and redirects natural light, to create a shiny surface that can put a disco ball to shame.

Some druzy crystals are larger and more pronounced. This does not always indicate that the crystals are older and “more mature.” Instead, they likely existed in an area that provided a better supply of the silica and sediment needed to develop longer, stronger crystals.

Since this type of crystallization can happen on any type of stone or mineral, you can often find druzy in places where you wouldn’t expect it. While druzy is most common on quartz and agate, or within a geode, you can also find it on chrysocolla, malachite, azurite and other mineral specimens that can support the growth of the tiny sparkling crystals that draw everyone’s attention. Even Calcite drusy often appears on various colored calcite specimens.

Quartz provides the most common host for druzy, as it is an abundant material and collects silica easily to create a structure that gives the appearance of tiny quartz crystals.

What Crystals or Minerals Can Display Druzy?

Nearly any natural stone can have a druzy cluster upon it. This is because the tiny crystal structures that form a druzy only need a host surface to form and are not very critical of where they live.

Druzy can form if a rock or mineral has access to constantly flowing water. As the water evaporates, and eventually cools, the sediment and silica left behind from the water eventually forms the crystal structures that become druzy.

This is not a quick process. In many cases, druzy surfaces take many thousands — if not millions — of years to form.

And since many of these druzy gemstone crystals are clear, they will often exhibit the colors of the mineral or stone below their surface.

For example a Malachite druzy specimen may sparkle like a handful of green diamonds. Chrysocolla druzy will have a baby blue hue that resembles glitter.

Druzy is most common on quartz and agate — and forms regularly within small caves or grooves in an agate geode — sometimes in a druzy ring shape.

Are Druzy Natural Crystals?

In most cases, a druzy stone is completely natural. Because of the popularity of drusy gemstones, some have found ways to create a similar look without using natural crystals or coloring.

Since clear quartz is the most popular host for druzy, you can sometimes find specimens that show large layers or clear druzy crystals. These typically do not have the same showy appearance as more popular druzy quartz gems as they have no coloring.

As such, some will add a dye to the quartz crystal or other stone to bring out the colors. While these can sometimes appear very pleasing — and make wonderful display pieces — they are not considered natural.

Titanium druzy takes place through technological advances that make it easier to place the metal titanium on a non Titanium drusy specimen to give it a metallic look.

Rainbow Pyrite is another form of synthetic druzy, as the maker places a chemical treatment on natural pyrite or Chalcopyrite to give it a metallic sheen.

Others might create a stone with glass points that refract light and provide a similar sparkle.

A key way to tell the difference is to lightly scrape your druzy with a metallic substance. The color should not scratch or flake off. Being that natural druzy is a strong quartz material, it should also not break or chip during the scraping.

Are Druzy Healing Crystals?

Druzy make wonderful healing stones as they combine a crystalline structure over other minerals. As such, the quartz or other crystals can help to amplify the metaphysical abilities of the host stone.

Druzy crystals can also boost creativity and imagination and help the stone's holder relax in times of stress. Druzy can also enhance the body's natural healing abilities while providing a mental balance that can aid in overcoming depression, sadness or fear.

In many ways, Druzy stones have a similar metaphysical profile as blue calcite.

Can Druzy be Made Into Jewelry?

Druzy jewelry is among the most sought-after types of gemstone jewelry because of its ability to sparkle and draw attention. As such, you can regularly find druzy specimens cut and shaped into a druzy necklace, druzy earrings, druzy cabochon, druzy pendant, bracelet, or other bead like shape.

Druzy crystal has a particularly tough surface to damage, and is not particularly difficult to cut or shape, so you should not worry about damaging the surface when you wear these fine crystals.

And since druzy can appear as just about any color of the rainbow, you can find druzy quartz jewelry in a host of settings, including gold, rose gold and silver.